Cops were seen taking away documents and computer equipment from the 73-year-old singer's £3.1million exclusive gated apartment, in wealthy Sunningdale, after receiving a report that a teenager under the age of 16 was assaulted at a Billy Graham Christian concert in 1985.

The rally which was led by the American evangelist was held at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane Stadium.

The alleged victim, now in his 40s, came forward in 2012 after Jimmy Saville was uncovered as a predatory paedophile.

Last year the internet was full of false rumours that Sir Cliff had been arrested by Scotland Yard's Operation Yewtree – set up in the wake of the Saville scandal.

Yesterday, the pop star released a statement from his holiday home in Portugal's Algarve, saying he had been aware of the circulating allegations but refused to 'dignify' them.

Sir Cliff Richards' home was searched by police on Wednesday[Wenn]

In it he said: "For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online.

"The allegations are completely false.

"Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen.